Pioneer Scout Reservation
GeoCache Program
Pioneer Scout Reservation GeoCache Program
INTRODUCTION
This document contains all the information you need to participate in the Pioneer Scout Reservation ( PSR ) GeoCaching Program. This program is maintained by the Rangers at Pioneer Scout Reservation. It is here for your enjoyment. All we ask is that you follow the rules outlined in this document so that everyone can enjoy the program.
All of the caches are water-proof and permanently anchored. They are green ammunition cans with water tight seals and snap down lids. The dimensions are: (Length)10 inches x (Width)3.5 inches x (Height)7 inches .
WHAT IS GEOCACHING?
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches.
Note: The Pioneer Scout Reservation Geocaching Program is a private program that is not published on any website. Only scouts and scouters are permitted to participate in the PSR Geocaching Program. This guide contains all the information you need to participate in the program.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, PUBLISH PSR GEOCACHE INFORMATION ON ANY GEOCACHING WEBSITE. WE DO NOT WANT THE PUBLIC COMING INTO CAMP TO FIND THE CACHES.
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The Geocaching program at PSR is a two-stage program consisting of 15 caches.
Stage 1: THE SCOUT LAW 12 geocaches, one for each point of the Scout Law.
Finding these caches will give the participant
directions to the caches in Stage 2.
Stage 2: THE SCOUT OATH 3 geocaches, one for each point of the Scout Oath.
PSR CACHES
All P SR caches are mounted on a steel t-fence post anchored at or about the designated coordinates, within a radius of 100 feet.
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HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE GEOCACHING?
You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check.
The word Geocaching broken out is GEO for geography, and CACHING for the process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve. The term is also used in hiking/camping as a hidden place for concealing and preserving provisions.
So what’s the big deal? You gave me the coordinates so I know where it is; seems pretty easy.
It is deceptively easy. It’s one thing to see where an item is, it’s a totally different story to actually get there.
WHAT IS A GPS DEVICE?
A GPS unit is an electronic device that can determine your approximate location on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in Longitude (think east & west) and Latitude (think north and south). You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, and voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device.
How do I use a GPS unit for geocaching?
To play, you must know how to enter waypoints into your GPS unit. We have provided a table with waypoints that can be uploaded into your GPS.
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WHAT ARE THE RULES IN GEOCACHING?
Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:
1. Take something from the cache. 2. Leave something in the cache. 3. Leave the cache where you found it.
What devices do I need to complete the Geocache course?
2 devices are needed to complete the course. These can be shared between all scouts while doing the course.
1) A GPS unit (i.e. Garmin, TomTom, NavMan or similar device). 2) Cellular telephone with camera (Android or Apple operating system).
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WHAT IS IN THE CACHES?
The caches at PSR are waterproof green ammunition cans containing the following items:
1. A QR code on the inside top of the ammo can lid. This code, when scanned by your cell phone camera, will present a weblink. Tapping the link will take you to a web form to record your name and troop number. This records your visit at the cache site for the range staff, proving you were there. No special application is required on your cell phone. 2. In addition to the QRcode, the laminated card will contain a portion of the latitude and/or longitude of one of the Stage Two (Scout Oath) caches. In order to find the second stage caches, you must find all of the Stage One caches and piece together the latitude and longitude of the Stage Two caches. 3. Anything else you find in the cache can be taken, as long as you leave something in return - you take something and you leave something. Exactly what you find in the cache is up to the people who found the cache before you.
What should you NOT leave in a cache? Use your common sense. Food items are ALWAYS A BAD IDEA. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items left in a cache.
Do not remove the laminated card from the cache. If you do, others will not be able to participate in the program.
You are on your honor .
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WHERE ARE THE CACHES FOUND?
The caches are hidden all around the camp. We guarantee you will visit parts of the Pioneer Scout Reservation you have never been in before. Unless you are very, very good, you will not be able to find all the caches in a single day. While we tried to not make this too difficult, we did want to make it challenging. Therefore, the caches are usually hidden in and around prominent terrain features, but they are hidden.
You should also know that your GPS will only get you so far. GPS units are usually accurate to within, say 50 feet. That means, the GPS will get you into the correct area, but will not lead you right to the cache. For that you will need sharp eyes. We have provided clues. Once you get into the area, start looking for places that a cache could be hidden.
CAN I MOVE A CACHE ONCE I FIND IT? NO ! You enjoy playing this game so do others. If you move the cache, you ruin the game. Remember, a Scout is Courteous. Have consideration for everyone else who wants to have fun with Geocaching. Leave the caches where you find them.
Pioneer Scout Reservation longitude and latitude boundaries. The following major longitude and latitude boundaries lie outside of camp. Within these coordinates are PSR and all the GeoCaches for both courses ( hint, hint! ).
North 41° 42’ 45” South 41° 41’ 30” East 84° 40’ West 84° 42’
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Stage 1 The Scout Law
Cache Latitude Longitude Clue to Location Stage 2 location(s) revealed
F01 Trustworthy 41°41'51.6"N 84°41'18.4"W No telephone or electric wires on me
F02 Loyal 41°41'59.0"N 84°41'29.4"W Behind a hard guy, on the high side of the black pipe
F03 Helpful 41°42'15.2"N 84°40'58.3"W Three to choose from
F04 Friendly 41°42'11.8"N 84°40'52.5"W “HAY” there, resting for a long time
F05 Courteous 41°42'16.8"N 84°40'46.6"W Tried to log on, but laid a field
F06 Kind 4 1°42'09.4"N 84°40'38.5"W Rotten through and through
F07 Obedient 41°42'03.6"N 84°40'34.1"W Maybe a little stinky
F08 Cheerful 41°41'58.1"N 84°40'44.8"W Off the beaten path behind a hard guy
F09 Thrifty 41°41'55.1"N 84°40'29.9"W May have to squeeze behind to find me
F10 Brave 41°41'50.8"N 84°40'41.0"W Triple trunk between bridges
F11 Clean 4 1°41'40.5"N 84°40'23.5"W Behind the twin trunk
F12 Reverent 41°41'56.3"N 84°40'54.9"W Unhitched
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Stage 2 The Scout Oath
Cache Latitude Longitude Clue to Location
S01 Duty to God N _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” W _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” Always green, I see the water spigot pylon
S02 Duty to Country N _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” W _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” I can see the lake from where I’m at
S03 Duty to Self N _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” W _ _ ° _ _’ _ _. _” Don’t get wet, it’s a long climb back up
Latitude and Longitude
Symbol Meaning
degrees °
minutes ‘
seconds “
What do I do if there is no cellular telephone service while I am doing the course? Each time a QRcode is scanned, it will open a webpage on the cell phone. If after tapping on the weblink you are returned a ‘no cell service’ or ‘unable to connect’ type of message, leave the web page open and go on to the next cache. Your cell phone will continue to stack (i.e. open) multiple webpages as different QR codes are scanned. Once you are back in cell service, tap the link to connect and complete the form. Do this for each form, one at a time. Below are practice QRcodes you can scan with and without cell service turned on to see how this works.
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